The Latest Breaking News from Council

Tuesday’s 32-17 vote is a major political victory for Mayor Brandon Johnson. Next comes a battle between Johnson’s progressive coalition and the business community and real estate industry.

Several people in the gallery were escorted out by security after an observer singled them out as supporters of welcoming migrants. Later, the full Council voted to accept donated land at 115th and Halsted streets that will become the temporary site of a winterized tent camp for migrant.

Not even six months into the Brandon Johnson administration, his Council floor leader, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, had become a liability the mayor simply could not afford.

On Friday, Ramirez-Rosa was frantically trying to persuade alderpersons not to enter the Council chambers to prevent Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) and Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) from reaching a quorum they needed to continue a specal Council meeting.

The stage has been set for another legal clash at the Dirksen courthouse. But it’s unclear whether another central political figure, former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis, will make an appearance in the courtroom.

The Black Caucus, which includes 20 of the Council’s 50 members, issued a statement condemning what they termed “bullying” by Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) against Caucus member Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), the longest serving woman in the chamber.

Ald. Ray Lopez is calling for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s floor leader to resign after an alleged “manhandling” of one of their colleagues, putting an ugly exclamation mark on a raucous council meeting.

Commercial speech enjoys First Amendment protections, whether politicians like it or not.

The Lexington City Council has given the first reading for one-million-dollar incentives for two high-profile projects in Fayette County. Both relate to sporting activities.

Proposal would require Chicago employers to give five sick days and five vacation days.

Early voting begins Thursday across the Commonwealth. No-excuse voting continues Friday and Saturday before Election Day casting of ballots on Tuesday. Fayette County Clerk Susan Lamb made an early voting pitch during her time before the Lexington City Council this week.